Penn State Wrestling: 5 takeaways from the Journeymen Duals
By Chris Snyder
Takeaway No. 2: Greg Kerkvliet looks 100%
This is what I stated as Greg Kerkvliet’s key to success in the 2021-2022 season.
If yesterday’s results are any indication for the upcoming season, then the entire class of heavyweights in the nation should be put on notice*.
Kerkvliet looked incredibly quick, he looked decisive, and more importantly, he looked strong and 100% healthy.
Kerkvliet wasted no time in his opening match by snagging five takedowns in the first period against Sacred Heart’s Mark Blokh to take a 10-4 lead going into the second period. At this point, Kerkvliet was done messing around as he maneuvered Blokh’s back to the mat and earned the fall 0:57 seconds into the second period.
Kerkvliet then squared off against Oregon State’s No. 24 Gary Traub in his second match of the evening. But it was much of the same for Penn State and Kerk Kong.
Kerkvliet cruised to a 10-0 lead with 4:07 of riding time after only the second period. And similar to his first match, Kerkvliet was done playing. He quickly dispatched of Traub 0:58 seconds into the third period to earn the 16-0 technical fall and give Penn State their final points of the evening in a 32-7 drubbing of the Beavers.
* – With the exception of maybe Gable Steveson (I may be dumb, but I’m not THAT dumb)